New foods to try this year: expanding your plate

Thu, Jan 22, 2026

Trying new foods is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to refresh your eating habits. With Irish supermarkets expanding their ranges, local producers becoming more adventurous, and global flavours more accessible than ever, this year is a great time to explore something different. Whether you’re interested in health, sustainability, or simply better flavour, there are plenty of new and exciting foods to add to your shopping list.

The hottest fashion trends to watch for this season

Thu, Jan 22, 2026

As winter comes to a close and nature starts to bloom again, spring isn’t just a season of renewal; it’s a runway of fresh fashion statements waiting to be embraced.

The Sportsground — A brief history

Thu, Jan 22, 2026

In 1924, the Galway Agricultural & Sports Society was formed, a group of visionary people, mostly businessmen from the town, with the aim of providing amenities for the citizens of Galway and environs. They purchased 17 acres of land from the Erasmus Smith Foundation, the owners of the Grammar School. These 22 men, together with five trustees, began to develop the ground to let to various sporting bodies which included greyhound racing, rugby, hurling and football, camogie, ladies hockey, drill displays etc. The first president of this group was CJ Kerin, 1925-1955 and he was followed by John D Whelan, 1955-1964. It was always intended to be a multi-purpose venue and was variously known as the Sportsground, the Sports Field or the Galway Greyhound Stadium.

Living a life that is true to yourself

Thu, Jan 22, 2026

The fear of looking back on his life as he breathed his last and realising that he had not lived it being true to himself was one of the main reasons why Adrian Varley (33) stopped drinking. That fear was far greater than giving up alcohol, says the former Galway Senior footballer.

Inspired to inspire: Elizabeth McGrath turns weight-loss success into support for others

Thu, Jan 15, 2026

For years, Elizabeth McGrath felt frustrated by her inability to maintain a healthy weight. She often felt uncomfortable, lacking in energy and not at her best. Living with ongoing lower back problems — which eventually resulted in spinal fusion surgery after years of pain and medication — became a powerful wake-up call. Elizabeth knew she needed to improve her health, yet feared that doing so would mean giving up the foods she loved and feeling constantly hungry.

Newtownsmyth

Thu, Jan 15, 2026

In the late 18th century, a ‘new town’ — Newtownsmyth — was built outside the town wall on the northern side. The project was undertaken by the governors of the Erasmsus Smith estate. In this suburb, a county courthouse was erected in 1815 and a town courthouse in 1824. In 1823, there were objections suggesting that there were several suitable sites ‘immediately in town’ and that it was ‘quite idle’ to lay foundations in the suburb of Newtownsmyth.

How to have a healthy 2026

Thu, Jan 15, 2026

It’s mid January and by now, after the excesses of Christmas, your thoughts may be turning to a healthier lifestyle. If you were one of the unlucky people to be struck down with the flu and are still wiping your fevered brow and coughing and spluttering or are slowing regaining your energy, then good health may well be a priority for you for the new year.

New special classes for Galway schools

Thu, Jan 15, 2026

Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton has approved an initial seven new special classes for schools in Galway. This is the first round of approvals, which will take place over the coming weeks.

University of Galway to host Virtual MBA Open Evening

Thu, Jan 15, 2026

Are you considering an MBA at the University of Galway? Their AMBA accredited MBA programme will host a Virtual MBA Open Evening on Wednesday, January 21 at 6pm.

Speak and learn Irish with Gaeilge Locha Riach

Thu, Jan 15, 2026

Opportunities to speak and learn Irish in Loughrea are back in full swing this January with Gaeilge Locha Riach.

Irish language classes at three levels – beginner, intermediate and higher intermediate – begin the week of January 19, with múinteoir Deaglan Glynn at the Gaeilge Locha Riach office on Kelly Street.

Learn Spanish in Galway with The Spanish Institute

Thu, Jan 15, 2026

The Spanish Institute is starting a new term in the first week of February, full of courses and activities for their students.

The Spring term will offer a variety of Spanish groups of all levels, from beginner, as well as one-to-one classes, with mornings and evenings classes.

Short Courses at University of Galway 2026

Mon, Jan 12, 2026

Do you have one free evening a week and a curiosity to learn something new? Whether your motivation is personal enrichment, skill development, or exploring a long-held interest, the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at University of Galway is now offering its Short Courses Series for 2026.

New Year, New Habits: Why Looking After Your Hearing Health Supports Active, Healthy Ageing

Mon, Jan 12, 2026

A new year brings an opportunity to reassess priorities and adopt habits that support long term wellbeing. While many people focus on fitness, nutrition, or stress reduction in January, one crucial aspect of healthy ageing is frequently overlooked: hearing health.

The Salmon Weir

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Galway was originally known as ‘Streamstown’ as the river divided into a series of streams as it moved through the city. All that was to change in the mid-18th century when works were undertaken to improve drainage, to facilitate navigation and to provide waterpower for the many mills in Galway. The primary purpose in improving drainage was to reduce winter water levels in the areas of flooded land which was an ongoing problem.

New year, new start at GRETB Tuam Road

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

If you would like to update your skills, change career, get ready for employment, or simply return to education then take a look at GRETB Tuam Road’s January courses.

The Return to Learning course is an ideal place to start, particularly if you have been away from education for a long time or if you left school early. With modules in Word Processing, Personal Effectiveness and Container Gardening starting in January, you can then continue with additional courses in September.

University of Galway to host Virtual MBA Open Evening

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Are you considering an MBA at the University of Galway? Their AMBA accredited MBA programme will host a Virtual MBA Open Evening on Wednesday, January 21 at 6pm.

Key tips when preparing for the HPAT

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

For students in Ireland aiming to study medicine or certain health professions, the Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT) is a crucial part of the application process.

CAO key dates in 2026

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

As 2026 begins, Leaving Certificate students and other applicants look ahead to third-level education beginning in autumn. Understanding the Central Applications Office (CAO) timetable is more important than ever – missing a deadline can mean paying higher fees, or worse, missing out on the chance to be considered for your preferred courses.

Síorstíl returns for a second series

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Fíbín Media has announced the premiere of the second series of Síorstíl. This revolutionary fashion competition challenges seven talented designers to transform second-hand and recycled materials into high-fashion masterpieces.

What to eat in January

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Recent years have seen a return to focusing on food that is fresh and in season, particularly when it comes to restaurant culture. It makes sense at home, too, to choose seasonal foods as much as possible.

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